URGENT UPDATE: New South Wales (NSW) is ramping up beach safety this summer with an additional $2.5 million investment in its Shark Management Program following a series of deadly shark attacks. The Minns government announced this funding boost on Sunday, aiming to enhance drone surveillance and provide more shark bite kits to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
The new drone monitoring initiative is set to launch on December 13, 2023, a week earlier than originally scheduled, covering 32 beaches initially. By December 20, coverage will expand to 50 beaches, bolstering safety measures during the busy holiday season.
This decisive action follows the tragic death of veteran surfer Mercury Psillakis, who was fatally attacked by a white shark at Long Reef Beach in Sydney’s Northern Beaches in September. His body was discovered missing multiple limbs, igniting public demand for increased safety measures. Regional NSW Minister Tara Moriarty expressed her condolences during a meeting with Mr. Psillakis’ family and emphasized the importance of protecting surfers and beach users.
“We spoke about increasing protection for boardriders and recognizing the role of surfers in beach safety as a legacy for Mercury,” Moriarty stated.
The funding will allow Surfing NSW to implement a comprehensive training program alongside the deployment of drones, which have proven effective in early shark detection. “While there is no 100% safeguard to protect people from shark interactions, a mix of technologies and public awareness will increase safety,” Moriarty added.
The recent funding decision also comes after the fatal attack on a 25-year-old Swiss tourist at a remote beach approximately 300 km north of Sydney late last month, further highlighting the urgent need for enhanced shark surveillance.
Surfing NSW Chief Executive Lucas Townsend commented, “Turning a tragic event into recognition and support for the role surfers play in keeping our beaches safer is an incredible legacy for Mr. Psillakis.”
Daily drone patrols will begin on December 13 and will cover the Christmas period and most of January, transitioning to weekend-only patrols until March 2026. Additionally, 150 shark bite kits will be distributed to beaches outside metropolitan areas, as part of an ongoing effort to improve beach safety.
Surf Life Saving NSW welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant enhancement to their partnership with the NSW government. Last summer, 50 Surf Life Saving NSW drones conducted over 18,000 flights, resulting in the sighting of 815 sharks, including 41 bull sharks and 45 white sharks. Lifeguards implemented 115 countermeasures, including beach evacuations and other safety protocols.
As the summer season approaches, authorities urge all beachgoers to stay vigilant and utilize the SharkSmart app for real-time updates. This proactive approach aims to protect both local surfers and tourists alike, ensuring a safer experience along NSW’s coastline.
